Michigan Tech News

At its regular meeting, Michigan Technological University's Board of Trustees approved a new Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management degree, to be offered by the University's School of Business and Economics. This degree is designed to satisfy the growing needs in industry and our economy for individuals with strong skills in both business and engineering.

Students will take courses in engineering, math, and science while completing a comprehensive business curriculum. They will develop a broad and strategic perspective of business, acquire a solid command of the technical fundamentals of engineering, and link their technological skills with their business knowledge through the required senior capstone business development experiences courses.

"Michigan Tech has long been committed to delivering a distinctive and rigorous discovery- based learning experience grounded in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)," said Provost Max Seel. "Combine that with hands-on experience in business, and you have just what students will need to prosper in the new economy."

The Board also approved room and board rates for the 2012-13 academic year. With increases ranging from 1.93 to 2.6 percent for Douglass Houghton, McNair and Wadsworth Halls, rates will range from $8,184 to 10,478 with the gold (median) meal plan. That’s an average increase of $200 for the academic year, according to Les Cook, vice president for student affairs. There will be no increases in rates for Hillside Place apartments.

Rent for student family apartments in Daniell Heights will increase 4.24 to 4.69 percent, an average increase of $25 to $35 a month per apartment.

Plans and financing for renovations to the MacInnes Ice Arena and Student Development Complex also received Board approval. The ice plant and rink slab is original and over 40 years old, the Board was told. After a number of attempts to locate and repair the multiple leaks in nearly ten miles of pipe, it was determined that a new system is needed. Several sections of the SDC roof are leaking, and these leaks will cause additional maintenance problems if not addressed at this time. The Board authorized the University to proceed with the renovations not to exceed $2.35 million, to be funded through issuance of general revenue bonds.

The Board also approved a 3 percent salary increase for President Glenn Mroz effective January 1, 2012. “This is in line with our strategic plan to keep the very best people,” said Board Member Terry Wychowski.

Board Chair Marty Richardson reported on a Board retreat held earlier this week to discuss where Michigan Tech should be in 2035 and how the University’s strategic plan can provide the mechanism to achieve those goals.

“The retreat was energizing, and we are looking forward to meeting the challenges that lay ahead,” Richardson said. “Although we are experiencing difficult economic times, we are confident that by continuing to follow our strategic plan we will successfully surmount those challenges and come out an even better university.”

In other action, the Board:

Approved an application to the Michigan Coastal Management Program for improvements to the campus waterfront.

Agreed to grant an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree to Martha Sullivan, an alumna, donor and speaker at the upcoming Spring Commencement.

Voted to issue resolutions of appreciation to Bill Rose, professor of geological and mining engineering and sciences; Pat Joyce, professor of business and economics; and Sudhakar Pandit, professor of mechanical engineering-engineering mechanics for more than 35 years of service.

Michigan Technological University (www.mtu.edu) is a leading public research university developing new technologies and preparing students to create the future for a prosperous and sustainable world. Michigan Tech offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering; forest resources; computing; technology; business; economics; natural, physical and environmental sciences; arts; humanities; and social sciences.